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Visiting New Orleans is your ticket to some of the weirdest experiences you’ll ever see. This city is about more than just drinking and throwing beads. It’s full of history, color and famous destinations that only NOLA can offer. I’ll bet you’ve never held an alligator or been to a bar that spins around.
Well, if you’re planning a visit soon, save this list of the best places to go in New Orleans.
CONTENTS:
- Carousel Bar
- Swamp Tour
- Buckner Mansion
- The Vintage Restaurant
- Willie’s Chicken Shack
- Funky Monkey Vintage
Drink at the rotating Carousel Bar
Neighborhood: French Quarter (inside Hotel Monteleone)
If “ historic” and “wierd” are what you want to see, you’ve got to go to the Carousel Bar & Lounge. Designed like a carousel, the bar actually rotates slowly every 15 minutes. At the top are ornate flourishes and carnival faces that bring the city’s French influence to life. You can drink there and sample small bites from their menu.
It’s located inside Hotel Monteleone, an upscale hotel that’s been standing since 1886. This mainstay of the French Quarter is a must-see stop on your New Orleans trip.
Play with gators on a Swamp Tour
Neighborhood: Jean Lafitte/Barataria
The swamp is just as important to Louisiana culture as Mardi Gras and gumbo. You’ll be surprised to learn how gorgeous and peaceful a swamp can actually be.
Just a few minutes South of the city is Jean Lafitte, Louisiana, home to the Barataria Bayou. Here you can go on a swamp tour and see this unique natural marvel by boat. I recommend booking your tour through Louisiana Swamp Tours, the same company I used on my last visit.
They focus on safety and will pair you up with a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide. They’ll take you on a two-hour journey where you can hold the alligators and see the different types of nature that grows here.
Buckner Mansion from American Horror Story
Neighborhood: Garden District
New Orleans is well-known for all the spooky places you can visit. One famous spot is Buckner Mansion which appeared in the original American Horror Story TV show.
Even if you didn’t watch the show, this massive mansion is still worth seeing. It’s located in the Garden District which is full of other historic mansions and fabulous architecture.
Coffee and Beignets at The Vintage New Orleans
Neighborhood: Garden District/Uptown
What’s a trip to New Orleans without beignets? Of course, there are famous places like Cafe Du Monde where you can try this classic treat.
However, I loved The Vintage Restaurant because they serve delicious coffee options the traditional beignet shops don’t offer. So not only can you try a hot, sugary beignet, but you can also get a your favorite latte to enjoy with it.
They also serve other breakfast items as well lunch and dinner. Plus, they have an exclusive wine menu you can try if you’re visiting later in the day. This place is just a solid spot that I wholeheartedly recommend.
Late night snack at Willie’s Chicken Shack
Neighborhood: Canal St. and Tchoupitoulas St.
When visiting New Orleans, you will inevitably end up tipsy and in need of a snack. Willie’s Chicken Shack will definitely hit the spot with crunchy, flavorful chicken strips at locations throughout the city.
It’s almost like Starbucks because there seems to be one on every corner. The service is quick and the restaurants are usually small but boy are the chicken strips yummy. If you see one at the end of a late night, you should definitely give Willie’s a try.
Vintage Shopping at Funky Monkey
Neighborhood: Garden District on Magazine St.
If you are a thrifter or a vintage shopper, a city like New Orleans is the place for you. Along Magazine Street are several small vintage shops, Funky Monkey being one of my favorites.
The shop is so cute and full of rare finds from t-shirts to handbags, shoes and jewelry. It’s also a cos shop, so you and your friends can have some fun playing around with all the props.
I found this old rap t-shirt that I’m planning to wear to a festival later this summer. I had to stop myself from spending my whole shopping budget inside this store.
Conclusion
It’s easy to get tired of Bourbon Street when you’re visiting New Orleans. Luckily, this city is full of wonderful places to go to see something different. Whether you choose to see the rotating carousel bar or spend some time with an alligator, you’re bound to see something you never have before.
Curious about other destinations in the southern U.S.? Check out this cabin trip I took in Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
